Test Format
The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is an entrance test used by most medical and dental schools in the UK. It was introduced in 2006 and is now used by 14 dental schools and 26 medical schools in the UK.
It is a two hour computer-based multiple choice test in the following format:
UKCAT Section |
Number of questions |
Time allowed (including 1 minute to read instructions) |
Time allowed for SEN (including 1 minute 15 seconds to read instructions) |
Verbal Reasoning |
44 |
22 minutes |
27.5 minutes |
Decision Making |
29 |
32 minutes |
40 |
Quantitative Reasoning |
36 |
25 minutes |
31.25 minutes |
Abstract Reasoning |
55 |
14 minutes |
17.5 minutes |
Situational Judgement |
68 |
27 minutes |
33.75 minutes |
Total Time |
120 minutes |
150 minutes |
The UKCAT is not a knowledge-based test, there are no science questions and there are no books to read, nothing to memorise and no essays to write.
For additional detail; on the format please see our FAQ section or parents pages:
UKCAT Consortium Requirements
The UKCAT is a compulsory entry requirement for the universities that make up the UKCAT Consortium.
Candidates are required to sit the test the summer before they apply for entry to medical or dental school in the following academic year.
UKCAT results cannot be carried over from one year to the next and the test can only be sat once in each year.
Candidates should always check the specific entry requirements for the universities they wish to apply to very carefully. A full list of the universities along with a link to each one is available on our FAQ page:
Test Booking, Registration and Fees
Tests are administered by Pearson VUE and candidates are required to register an account with them before booking a test.
Fees vary according to the date and venue of the test and some candidates are eligible for a fee waiver, a full breakdown of current fees and bursary requirements is available on our bursaries page.
Register for an account with Pearson VUE here:
Apply for a Bursary here:
Candidates taking the UKCAT in 2017 for entry to university in 2018 will be subject to the following deadlines and key dates:
Registration opens |
2 May 2017 |
Bursary scheme opens |
2 May 2017 |
Testing begins |
3 July 2017 |
Registration closes |
19 September 2017 at 5pm |
Bursary deadline |
19 September 2017 at 5pm |
Booking/Rescheduling closes |
2 October 2017 at midday |
Last testing date |
3 October 2017 |
UCAS application deadline |
15 October 2017 |
Results delivered to universities |
Early November 2017 |
There are a number of The official practice tests are produced by the UKCAT consortium and are very helpful.
Resources